By Andrew Gans
20 Apr 2007

As for future plans, Akers says she would love to record both her Kander and Ebb and Styne programs and is planning to further develop the Styne recital. "We already know four or five songs we'd like to expand this show with and do it in a theatre. I know I'm going to be at [The Music Center at] Strathmore June 8. It's a new performing arts center in Bethesda. . . and I'm going to do an expanded version of Simply Styne."

But, for now, Akers is enjoying her eighth consecutive stint at the Algonquin, singing the songs of Tony winner Styne, who Akers says, surprised her with not only "the variety of his music, but the utter singability, too."

[Karen Akers will perform Simply Styne through May 12 at the Algonquin Hotel, 59 West 44th Street. Show times are Tuesdays-Thursdays at 9 PM and Fridays and Saturdays at 9 and 11:30 PM. There is a $60 cover for all shows plus a minimum. Call (212) 419-9331 for reservations.]

DIVA TIDBITS
Linda Eder will bring a new concert act to Feinstein's at the Regency in May. Entitled This Time Around, the former Jekyll & Hyde star will play the posh venue May 1-12 where she will be joined by musical director John Oddo. The Feinstein's engagement will coincide with the release of Eder's new recording, which is simply titled "Linda Eder's Greatest Hits." Rhino Music will release the disc, which features selections from her recording career, and will be available exclusively at Barnes & Noble or online at bn.com. The Feinstein's season will also feature Donny Osmond (April 24-28), Peter Gallagher (May 15-June 2), Michael Feinstein (June 5-16) and Mary Wilson (June 19-30). Feinstein's at the Regency is located in Manhattan at 540 Park Avenue at 61st Street. For reservations call (212) 339-4095 or visit feinsteinsattheregency.com or TicketWeb.com.

Tony Award winner Bebe Neuwirth, who ends her return Chicago engagement April 22, will host a May 21 seminar at the Actors' Fund of America's Aurora Residence on West 57th Street. Entitled "Healing the Dancer," the seminar will feature a panel of experts: an orthopedic surgeon, a kinesiologist, a physical therapist and nutritionist, and a chiropractor. The seminar has been designed by Neuwirth in conjunction with the Actors' Fund in order to help support the dance community. In a statement singer-actress-dancer Neuwirth said, "As dancers, we are good at dealing with the aches and strains associated with our profession. Sometimes, though, we get an injury or develop a chronic problem that knocks us off our feet. Last year I had hip replacement surgery. It came after several years of physical therapy, arthroscopic surgery, and excruciating pain. Add to that the emotional stress of not being able to dance and not wanting people to know about my condition — and I think you understand what that prison is like. After the replacement I recognized how extremely lucky I was to have a great doctor and great support from the few people with whom I shared my secret. And so I'd like to create a support system for other dancers." To register for the 4-6 PM seminar, e-mail dancers@actorsfund.org or call (212) 221-7300, ext. 261.

Abbie Osman, who was a standby for the title role in the West End revival of Evita, will join Alasdair Harvey and Josie Walker for the upcoming London production of Side by Side by Sondheim, which will play a limited engagement at The Venue beginning April 26. The show will also boast a cast of rotating narrators, including Les Dennis, Christopher Cazenove, Barry Cryer and Angela Rippon. The 12-week run will feature direction by Hannah Chissick and musical staging by Adam Cooper, who was Tony-nominated for his work in Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake. Performances will play through July 14. The Venue is located at 5 Leicester Place in Leicester Square, London. Tickets, priced £20-£40, are available by calling 0870 899 3335 or by visiting www.seetickets.com.

Tony Award winner Christine Baranski, who was back on the New York stage earlier this season in Regrets Only, will join the previously announced Meryl Streep for the film version of the international hit musical Mamma Mia! It was confirmed earlier this week that Baranski will be Tanya to Streep's Donna Sheridan. The cast, now in London to pre-record the film's soundtrack, will also feature Julie Walters, Colin Firth and Pierce Brosnan.

Well, that's all for now. Happy diva-watching! E-mail questions or comments to agans@playbill.com.

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